Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of directing a print job within a network, comprising: receiving, at a print service computer, a request by a user for the print job; receiving a destination by the user; identifying a first printer and a second printer along an intended route to the destination, to print the print job, wherein the print job includes a first portion and a second portion and the first portion of the print job is sent to the first printer and the second portion of the print job is sent to the second printer; monitoring by the print service computer, a location of an electronic tracking device on the user along the intended route; determining the user deviated from the intended route to the destination; determining a deviated route to the destination; identifying one or more alternate printers along the deviated route; sending the user a list of the identified alternate printers to select one or more printers for redirection of the print job; receiving a first command from the user to select a third printer and a fourth printer to process a remainder of the print job wherein the remainder of the print job is an incomplete portion of the print job; determining the remainder of the print job, including determining pages of the print job already completed on at least one of the first printer and the second printer; redirecting the remainder of the print job to the third printer and to the fourth printer; and receiving a second command from the user to cancel the remainder of the print job to be processed on at least one of the first printer and the second printer.
This invention relates to a network-based print job management system that dynamically adjusts print distribution based on user movement. The system addresses the problem of inefficient print job handling when a user deviates from an intended route, ensuring print jobs are completed at the most convenient locations along the user's actual path. The system operates by receiving a print job request from a user, which is divided into portions for printing at different printers along a predefined route to the user's destination. The system monitors the user's location via an electronic tracking device and detects deviations from the intended route. Upon detecting a deviation, the system identifies alternate printers along the new route and presents a list to the user for selection. The user can then choose new printers to handle the remaining, incomplete portions of the print job. The system determines which pages have already been printed and redirects only the unprinted portions to the selected printers. Additionally, the user can cancel the remaining print job portions if needed. This approach optimizes print job completion by adapting to real-time user movement, reducing wasted resources and improving convenience.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the third printer and the fourth printer are identified from the list of alternate printers based on the location of the electronic tracking device along the deviated route.
A system and method for optimizing print job routing in a distributed printing environment addresses inefficiencies in print job management, particularly when a primary printer fails or becomes unavailable. The invention identifies alternate printers to handle print jobs dynamically, ensuring continuity and minimizing delays. The method involves detecting a deviation in a print job's intended route, such as when a primary printer malfunctions or a user moves to a different location. An electronic tracking device, such as a mobile device or RFID tag, monitors the print job's progress and determines its current location along the deviated route. Based on this location, the system selects alternate printers from a predefined list to resume the print job. The selection prioritizes printers that are geographically closest to the current position of the tracking device, ensuring minimal disruption and efficient resource utilization. The system may also consider printer availability, capacity, and compatibility with the print job requirements. This approach improves print job reliability and reduces manual intervention, particularly in large-scale or mobile printing environments.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic tracking device is a mobile computing device.
A system and method for tracking and managing electronic devices, particularly mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, to enhance security and operational efficiency. The invention addresses the challenge of monitoring and controlling electronic devices in environments where unauthorized access or misuse is a risk, such as corporate settings, educational institutions, or public facilities. The method involves deploying an electronic tracking device, specifically a mobile computing device, equipped with tracking and communication capabilities. The device is configured to transmit location data, status updates, and operational metrics to a central monitoring system. The system processes this data to detect anomalies, enforce access policies, and trigger automated responses, such as locking the device or alerting administrators. The mobile computing device may also execute software applications that restrict functionality, log usage, or enforce compliance with predefined rules. The invention ensures that mobile devices remain secure, compliant, and accountable, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized use. The system may integrate with existing network infrastructure, cloud services, or enterprise management tools to provide comprehensive oversight. The method is adaptable to various environments and device types, offering scalable solutions for tracking and managing mobile computing devices.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising tracking the location of the electronic tracking device by a global positioning system (GPS) relaying the location of the user to the printer service computer.
A system and method for tracking and managing print jobs in a networked printing environment. The technology addresses the challenge of securely managing print jobs, particularly in environments where users may need to retrieve their documents from a printer at a later time or from a different location. The system includes an electronic tracking device, such as a wearable or mobile device, that is associated with a user. The tracking device communicates with a printer service computer to authenticate the user and authorize print jobs. The system further includes a global positioning system (GPS) module that tracks the location of the electronic tracking device. The GPS module relays the user's location to the printer service computer, enabling the system to determine the nearest available printer or to route print jobs to a printer closest to the user's current location. This ensures efficient and secure document retrieval, reducing wait times and improving user convenience. The system may also include additional features such as print job queuing, user authentication, and secure document release mechanisms. The GPS tracking enhances the system by dynamically adjusting print job routing based on the user's real-time location, improving overall workflow efficiency.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising tracking the location of the electronic tracking device by a system of beacons relaying the location of the user to the printer service computer.
A system for tracking and managing print jobs in a networked environment addresses the challenge of securely and efficiently routing print jobs to users while monitoring their location. The system includes an electronic tracking device, such as a badge or mobile device, that identifies a user and their location within a facility. The tracking device communicates with a printer service computer, which manages print job distribution. When a user initiates a print job, the system determines the user's location using a network of beacons that relay positional data to the printer service computer. The system then selects an optimal printer based on proximity to the user, ensuring the print job is available at a convenient location. Additionally, the system may restrict access to the print job until the user is near the designated printer, enhancing security. The beacons continuously update the user's location, allowing the system to dynamically adjust print job routing as the user moves. This approach improves efficiency by reducing wait times and minimizes security risks by ensuring print jobs are only accessible to authorized users in close proximity to the printer. The system is particularly useful in large facilities where multiple printers are distributed across different areas.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a status of the print job, wherein the step of redirecting the remainder of the print job to the fourth printer is based on the status of the print job.
This invention relates to print job management in a networked printing environment. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently handle print jobs when a primary printer fails or becomes unavailable, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal resource utilization. The method involves monitoring a print job sent to a first printer. If the first printer fails or becomes unavailable, the print job is automatically redirected to a second printer. The system then determines whether the second printer can complete the entire print job. If not, the remaining portion of the print job is further redirected to a third printer. If the third printer also cannot complete the job, the remaining portion is redirected to a fourth printer. Additionally, the system determines the status of the print job, such as its progress, priority, or remaining pages, and uses this status to decide whether and how to redirect the remainder of the print job to the fourth printer. This ensures that the redirection is based on real-time conditions, optimizing print job completion and resource allocation. The method may also involve tracking the print job across multiple printers to ensure all parts are successfully printed.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the status of the print job includes a printer error preventing a completion of the print job at the second printer.
A system and method for managing print jobs in a networked printing environment addresses the problem of inefficient print job handling when errors occur at a secondary printer. The invention involves monitoring the status of a print job sent to a second printer, detecting printer errors that prevent job completion, and automatically taking corrective action. The method includes identifying a print job assigned to a second printer, continuously monitoring the status of the print job to detect errors such as hardware failures, connectivity issues, or resource limitations that prevent successful printing. Upon detecting such an error, the system automatically reassigns the print job to an alternative printer or places it in a retry queue for later processing. The system may also notify the user or administrator of the error and the corrective action taken. This ensures print jobs are completed without manual intervention, improving efficiency and reliability in multi-printer environments. The method may integrate with existing print management systems and support various printer types and network configurations.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein: the step of determining the status of the print job includes determining a progress of the print job at the third printer; determining whether a print page in the progress of the print job is incomplete; and redirecting a second remainder of the print job, starting at the incomplete print page, to the fourth printer.
This invention relates to print job management in a networked printing environment, specifically addressing the problem of handling print jobs when a printer fails or encounters errors during printing. The system monitors the status of print jobs across multiple printers to ensure continuity and minimize disruptions. When a print job is interrupted at one printer, the system identifies the exact point of failure, such as an incomplete page, and automatically redirects the remaining portion of the print job to another available printer. This ensures that the print job is completed without requiring manual intervention, improving efficiency and reducing wasted resources. The system tracks the progress of the print job, detects incomplete pages, and dynamically reassigns the unfinished portion to a different printer, allowing seamless continuation of the printing process. This approach is particularly useful in environments where uninterrupted printing is critical, such as large-scale document production or high-volume printing operations. The invention enhances reliability and reduces downtime by intelligently managing print job distribution across multiple printers.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a message request from the user to redirect the print job; and sending the user the list of the identified alternate printers to select for redirection of the print job.
A system and method for managing print job redirection in a networked printing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently rerouting print jobs when a primary printer is unavailable or unsuitable. The invention identifies alternate printers capable of handling a print job when the originally selected printer fails or is offline. It evaluates printer capabilities, such as supported document formats, print settings, and network connectivity, to determine compatible alternatives. The system then provides a list of these alternate printers to the user, allowing them to select a new destination for the print job. This ensures seamless printing without manual intervention, improving user experience and reducing downtime. The method includes receiving a user request to redirect the print job and displaying the list of identified alternate printers for selection, enabling dynamic redirection based on real-time printer availability and compatibility. The solution enhances print job management by automating the selection of backup printers, minimizing disruptions, and maintaining workflow efficiency.
10. A computer program product to automatically direct a print job to printers within a network, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith, the computer readable program code being configured, when executed by a processor, to: receive, at a print service computer, a request by a user for the print job; receive a destination by the user; identify a first printer and a second printer along an intended route to the destination, to print the print job, wherein the print job includes a first portion and a second portion and the first portion of the print job is sent to the first printer and the second portion of the print job is sent to the second printer; monitor by the print service computer, a location of an electronic tracking device on the user along the intended route; determine the user deviated from the intended route to the destination; determine a deviated route to the destination; identify one or more alternate printers along the deviated route; send the user a list of the identified alternate printers to select one or more printers for redirection of the print job; receive a first command from the user to select a third printer and a fourth printer to process a remainder of the print job wherein the remainder of the print job is an incomplete portion of the print job; determine the remainder of the print job, including determining pages of the print job already completed on at least one of the first printer and the second printer; redirect the remainder of the print job to the third printer and to the fourth printer; and receive a second command from the user to cancel the remainder of the print job to be processed on at least one of the first printer and the second printer.
This invention relates to a system for dynamically managing print jobs in a networked printing environment. The system addresses the problem of users deviating from an intended route to a destination, which can disrupt the distribution of print jobs across multiple printers along that route. The solution involves a print service computer that receives a user's print job request and destination, then identifies printers along the intended route to distribute different portions of the print job. The system monitors the user's location via an electronic tracking device and detects deviations from the planned route. Upon detecting a deviation, it identifies alternate printers along the new route and presents them to the user for selection. The user can then redirect the remaining, incomplete portions of the print job to the selected alternate printers. The system also tracks which pages have already been printed and ensures only the unprinted portions are redirected. Additionally, the user can cancel the remaining print job portions if needed. This approach optimizes print job distribution by adapting to route changes, minimizing wasted resources, and ensuring the user receives all printed materials at their final destination.
11. The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the third printer and the fourth printer are identified from the list of alternate printers based on the location of the electronic tracking device along the deviated route.
This invention relates to a system for managing print jobs in a networked printing environment, particularly when a primary printer is unavailable or a delivery route deviates from the original plan. The problem addressed is ensuring print jobs are completed efficiently and accurately, even when the original printing or delivery process encounters disruptions. The system uses an electronic tracking device to monitor the location of a delivery vehicle along a route. If the vehicle deviates from the planned route, the system identifies alternate printers near the new location to handle print jobs that were originally assigned to a primary printer. The system maintains a list of available printers, including their locations and capabilities, and selects the most suitable alternate printers based on the vehicle's current position. This ensures that print jobs are redirected to the nearest or most appropriate printers, minimizing delays and maintaining service quality. The invention also includes a method for dynamically updating the list of alternate printers as the vehicle moves, ensuring that the system always has the most relevant options available. The system may also consider factors such as printer availability, print job requirements, and network connectivity when selecting alternate printers. This approach improves the reliability and flexibility of print job management in dynamic environments.
12. The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the electronic tracking device is a mobile computing device.
A system and method for tracking and managing electronic devices, particularly mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, or wearable devices, to enhance security and operational efficiency. The invention addresses the challenge of monitoring and controlling electronic devices in environments where unauthorized access, loss, or misuse is a concern, such as corporate networks, educational institutions, or public facilities. The system includes an electronic tracking device equipped with a processor, memory, and communication capabilities, allowing it to transmit and receive data over a network. The device is configured to execute a tracking application that monitors its location, status, and usage patterns. The system also includes a remote server that collects and analyzes this data, enabling administrators to enforce security policies, detect anomalies, and remotely manage the device. For example, the server can trigger alerts, lock the device, or wipe sensitive data if unauthorized activity is detected. The invention ensures compliance with security protocols while minimizing disruptions to legitimate users. The mobile computing device may include additional features such as GPS, biometric authentication, or encryption to further enhance security. This solution is particularly useful in scenarios where real-time tracking and remote management of mobile devices are critical for maintaining operational integrity.
13. The computer program product of claim 12 , further comprising computer readable program code configured to track the location of the electronic tracking device by a global positioning system (GPS) relaying the location of the user to the printer service computer.
This invention relates to a system for managing electronic tracking devices in a printing environment. The system addresses the challenge of monitoring and controlling the movement of portable electronic devices, such as tracking tags or sensors, within a printing facility to ensure proper operation and security. The invention includes a computer program product that enables a printer service computer to communicate with an electronic tracking device, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or a Bluetooth beacon, to determine its location and status. The system uses a global positioning system (GPS) to relay the location of the user or device to the printer service computer, allowing for real-time tracking and management. The program code is configured to execute various functions, including sending commands to the tracking device, receiving status updates, and processing location data. The GPS integration ensures accurate positioning, which is particularly useful in large printing facilities where multiple devices may be in use. The system enhances operational efficiency by automating tracking and reducing manual oversight, while also improving security by monitoring unauthorized movements. The invention is designed to work with existing printing infrastructure, making it adaptable to various industrial environments.
14. The computer program product of claim 10 , further comprising computer readable program code configured to track the location of the electronic tracking device by a system of beacons relaying the location of the user to the printer service computer.
This invention relates to a system for managing print jobs in a networked environment, particularly focusing on tracking the location of a user and their associated print jobs. The system addresses the problem of print job security and efficiency by ensuring that print jobs are only released to a printer when the user is physically present near the printer, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive documents. The system includes an electronic tracking device, such as a badge or mobile device, that is carried by the user. The tracking device communicates with a network of beacons distributed throughout a facility. These beacons relay the location of the user to a printer service computer, which monitors the user's proximity to a printer. When the user approaches a printer, the system verifies their location and authorizes the release of their pending print jobs to that printer. This ensures that documents are only printed when the user is nearby, enhancing security and reducing waste from unattended print jobs. The system may also include additional features, such as tracking the movement of the user within the facility and adjusting print job routing based on the user's location. The printer service computer may prioritize print jobs based on the user's proximity to available printers, optimizing print job delivery. The invention improves print job management by combining location tracking with secure print release mechanisms, ensuring that documents are only printed when the user is present.
15. The computer program product of claim 10 , further comprising computer readable program code configured to determine a status of the print job, wherein the step of redirecting the remainder of the print job to the fourth printer is based on the status of the print job.
This invention relates to a computer program product for managing print jobs in a networked printing environment. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently handle print job interruptions, such as when a printer fails or becomes unavailable, to ensure the job is completed without manual intervention. The system monitors print jobs sent to a primary printer and detects interruptions, such as errors or disconnections. Upon detecting an interruption, the system identifies a secondary printer capable of completing the remaining portion of the print job. The system then redirects the unfinished portion of the print job to the secondary printer, ensuring continuity. The system also determines the status of the print job, such as whether it is paused, completed, or failed, and uses this status to decide whether to redirect the job. This ensures that redirection only occurs when necessary, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary processing. The system may also prioritize printers based on factors like availability, location, or compatibility with the print job requirements. The invention improves print job reliability by automatically rerouting jobs to alternative printers when issues arise, minimizing downtime and user intervention.
16. The computer program product of claim 10 , further comprising computer readable program code configured to: receive a message request from the user to redirect the print job; and send the user the list of the identified alternate printers to select for redirection of the print job.
This invention relates to a system for managing print job redirection in a networked printing environment. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and inconvenience of users having to manually locate and select alternate printers when their primary printer is unavailable or unsuitable for a print job. The solution involves a computer program product that enhances print job management by automatically identifying and offering alternate printers to users when redirection is needed. The system includes a print job management module that monitors print jobs and detects conditions requiring redirection, such as printer unavailability or user preferences. When a redirection is triggered, the system identifies alternate printers based on predefined criteria, such as printer status, location, capabilities, or user preferences. The system then generates a list of these alternate printers and presents them to the user for selection. The user can then choose an alternate printer from the list to redirect the print job. Additionally, the system may include a user interface module that facilitates the redirection process by displaying the list of alternate printers and allowing the user to select one. The system may also include a printer status monitoring module that tracks the availability and capabilities of printers in the network to ensure accurate recommendations. The overall goal is to streamline the print job redirection process, reducing user effort and improving printing efficiency.
17. A print service computer, comprising: a network connection; a memory storage device; and a processor coupled to the network connection and connected to the memory storage device, wherein computer executable instructions in the memory storage device configure the processor to: receive through the network connection, a request by a user for a print job; receive through the network connection, a destination by the user; identify a first printer and a second printer to print the print job, wherein the first printer is connected through a network to the network connection, and wherein the first printer and the second printer is located along an intended route to the destination, wherein the print job includes a first portion and a second portion and the first portion of the print job is sent to the first printer and the second portion of the print job is sent to the second printer; monitor, through the network connection, a location of an electronic tracking device on the user along the intended route; determine the user deviated from the intended route to the destination; determine a deviated route to the destination; identify one or more alternate printers along the deviated route; send the user a list of the identified alternate printers to select one or more printers for redirection of the print job; receive a first command from the user to select a third printer and a fourth printer to process a remainder of the print job wherein the remainder of the print job is an incomplete portion of the print job; determine the remainder of the print job, including determining pages of the print job already completed on at least one of the first printer and the second printer; redirect the remainder of the print job to the third printer and to the fourth printer; and receive a second command from the user to cancel the remainder of the print job to be processed on at least one of the first printer and the second printer.
This invention relates to a print service system that dynamically manages print jobs based on a user's location and route deviations. The system addresses the problem of users needing printed documents at different locations along a route, with the ability to adapt when the user changes their path. The print service computer includes a network connection, memory storage, and a processor that executes instructions to handle print job distribution and redirection. When a user requests a print job, the system identifies printers along their intended route and splits the job between them. The system tracks the user's location via an electronic tracking device and detects if they deviate from the planned route. If a deviation occurs, the system identifies alternate printers along the new path and provides the user with options to redirect the remaining portions of the print job. The user can select new printers to complete the job or cancel the remaining portions. The system ensures that only the incomplete parts of the print job are sent to the new printers, avoiding redundant printing. This approach optimizes print job distribution and reduces waste by dynamically adjusting to the user's changing location.
18. The print service computer of claim 17 , wherein the third printer and the fourth printer are identified from the list of alternate printers based on the location of the electronic tracking device along the deviated route.
This invention relates to a print service system that dynamically selects printers along a deviated route for document delivery. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently routing print jobs to available printers when a delivery vehicle deviates from its original path, ensuring timely document delivery despite route changes. The system includes a print service computer that receives a print job, identifies a primary printer along the original route, and monitors the vehicle's location via an electronic tracking device. If the vehicle deviates, the system identifies alternate printers near the new location. The system then selects a third and fourth printer from the list of alternate printers based on the vehicle's current position along the deviated route, ensuring the print job is available at the most convenient printer for pickup. The selection process considers factors such as printer availability, proximity, and document readiness to optimize delivery efficiency. This dynamic routing ensures that print jobs remain accessible even when delivery routes change unexpectedly.
19. The print service computer of claim 17 , wherein the computer executable instructions in the memory storage device further configure the processor to: receive a message request from the user to redirect the print job; and send the user the list of the identified alternate printers to select for redirection of the print job.
This invention relates to print job management in networked printing systems, specifically addressing the problem of efficiently redirecting print jobs to alternate printers when the originally selected printer is unavailable or unsuitable. The system includes a print service computer that identifies alternate printers capable of handling a print job when the primary printer fails or is otherwise inaccessible. The computer executes instructions to detect print job failures, analyze printer capabilities, and generate a list of suitable alternate printers based on factors such as printer status, location, and compatibility with the print job requirements. The system further provides a user interface for the user to request redirection and select an alternate printer from the generated list. This ensures seamless print job completion without manual intervention, improving workflow efficiency in environments with multiple networked printers. The solution automates the redirection process, reducing downtime and user frustration when primary printers are unavailable.
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October 20, 2020
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